Already Worried About Christmas For, Where Can I Turn?

D.,
as far as a specific church, I would suggest looking for one close to home. I don't want to sound preachy, but maybe you could find a church for you and your family, and not just a doll. It sounds like you have alot on your shoulders. Finding a church family might help ease your burden. I know that our church has helped us financially by sending kroger gift cards when I was out of work. They have provided meals after each of my boys was born so we wouldn't have to worry about shopping or cooking. And there is always someone to lend an ear to listen when I need it, or someone who has been through something similar. I truly believe that God always provides the support we need, and sometimes it comes from an unexpected person or place. I'll be praying for you and your family. Please let us know how you are doing.
L.

dear D.,

I completely understand what your feeling. even with both my husband and I working ( I only part time) it still gets extremely hard around the holidays. we absolutly need every penny we make and x-mas gets just so stressful. And of course you want to give you child the best x-mas ever but sometimes you can only what you can do. At least she's still 2 and still doesn't "get" the whole x-mas thing. I guess I dont have much advice but just wanted to let you know that i know how you feel.

don't sweat Christmas, especially in August... I proposed a few years ago that our family instead of exchanging gifts, help an organization. We let the oldest sister choose the organization first and we all donated what we could. Christmas isn't about giving, but about the feeling. I was amazed when my three year old chose a few toys to put in the box to take to the charity. I explained to him that another boy who didn't have any toys, would really have fun playing with the extra toys he had. I think if you do this in your family,and not feel you have to buy for everyone in your family, then you may be able to afford some small gift for your own children. It's more about what you give of yourself to others (not monetarily)... and that is a lesson that even small children can learn. Our new tradition really makes our Christmases warmer. Good Luck.

Try the Goodfellows organiztion. You can usually pick an application from your local city hall. They ususally start distributing applications in Oct/Nov. I understand you struggle as I was in a simular situation several years ago and did not know how I was going to give my son anything for Xmas. The Goodfellows were very generous. Since he was 13 at the time, they gave him a $50.00 Meijer gift certifcate. For smaller children they will usually provide toys.

I am a member of a Yahoo group called Freecycle. People offer items free to the first person to respond to their offer. Anyone can join the group and they offer tons of great things! Your daughter is only just turning 2, so won't know the difference if she gets a gently used item or a new one.
There are mom 2 mom sales where you can pick up some good stuff too.
Also, I was recently at the dollar store for the first time in 10 years and saw some great things to buy the kids for christmas and yes, everything IS a dollar. :)
Good Luck.

D.,
Don't worry! I work for The Salvation Army and I see people every day who it is so hard to make ends meet. I want you to know that The Salvation Army is there to help people when they can. We can't always do everything to help people, but we certainly try. Christmas assistance is one of those things we do help with. Your profile says you are in Lincoln Park. If that is still the case, then call the Salvation Army in Wyandotte. ###-###-####. I work in the office in Plymouth, but each office has a service area, and we assist people based on where they live. Most offices start accepting Christmas applications in October. But it doesn't hurt to call now and see for sure about that office. If you have any questions about this, feel free to send me a message.
~C.

Call the Samuel B. Ware Community Center in Westland @ 1-###-###-#### and leave a message for Sister Delores Flowers -she MIGHT be able to help-K..